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Spin

by Catherine McKenzie (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 1,562 ratings · 325 reviews

Kate's To-Do List:

1. Go to rehab
2. Befriend/spy on "It Girl"
3. Write killer expose
4. Land dream job

Piece of cake!

When Kate Sandford lands an interview at her favorite music magazine, The Line, it's the chance of a lifetime. So Kate goes out to celebrate—and shows up still drunk to the interview the next morning. It's no surprise that she doesn't get the job, but her...more

Paperback, 448 pages

Published February 7th 2012 by William Morrow Paperbacks (first published December 29th 2009)

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Mar 15, 2012 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, chick-lit, addicted, shelf-12, lmao, romance

“Imagine if Bridget Jones fell into A million little pieces, flew over the cuckoo’s nest and befriended Lindsey Lohan along the way.” Okay I might have stolen that quote from the back of the book but it does describe Spin perfectly, so I couldn’t help myself.

This was a fantastic read and from a new Canadian author no less. Totally relatable, addictive and hilarious, I had trouble putting this one down. It's written along the lines of Sophia Kinsley’s Confessions of a Shopaholic series or as I m...more “Imagine if Bridget Jones fell into A million little pieces, flew over the cuckoo’s nest and befriended Lindsey Lohan along the way.” Okay I might have stolen that quote from the back of the book but it does describe Spin perfectly, so I couldn’t help myself.

This was a fantastic read and from a new Canadian author no less. Totally relatable, addictive and hilarious, I had trouble putting this one down. It's written along the lines of Sophia Kinsley’s Confessions of a Shopaholic series or as I mentioned Bridget Jones's Diary, I also had flashes of Girl, Interrupted (if the loony bin were rehab) And yet despite all the comparisons Spin still manages to have a unique feel to it.

Peppered with pop culture references from movies, TV and music there's even a chapter by chapter playlist included at the end. I also just love books that are written the way we girls actually think, you know with random disjointed thoughts and crazy insecurities. And how much fun is it to follow a heroine who isn’t perfect? Kate, well she’s a mess so it was an absolute blast stumbling along with her while she finds herself.

Kate,(Katie, whatever) Sanford has just landed the job interview she’s been dreaming about her entire adult life, (other than writing for Rolling Stone that is.) It’s an interview with her favourite music magazine The Line. It’s also Katie’s 30th birthday which is all the more reason to celebrate, right? I mean what harm can meeting her friend Greer and having one little drink do? She’ll still get home early enough to be clear headed and fresh for the big interview tomorrow. Well as most of us know there’s no such thing as one drink (especially with friends like Greer.)

Katie’s botched interview is hilarious, she’s late arriving, still a bit drunk and concludes the meeting by excusing herself to throw up and lie on the restroom floor. Needless to say she doesn’t get the job. She is however just perfect for another assignment they have in mind; entering a 30 day stint in rehab to spy on the new “it” girl of the moment and writing a 5,000 word expose for their subsidiary gossip magazine. (Should she succeed the job she actually wants will also be waiting for her.) It’s a no brainer really, at this point Katie has burned almost every bridge she can and has nothing left to loose, besides its only for 30 days.

Kate’s observations from rehab while somewhat heartbreaking still retain the comedy. Her experiments with jogging had me laughing out loud as did the descriptions of her dog obsessed counsellor. Of course there’s a romance in bloom and hey what do you know she might just have a drinking issue after all. At the very least Katie needs to grow up and stop telling people she’s still in college or at least partying with college kids. The rehab section of the story is predictable but that doesn’t make it any less fun to watch the train wreck and cheer from the sidelines. The ending reads like a Hugh Grant movie and I loved it. Cheers
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Apr 15, 2012 Jennifer Lane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: laurie-would-love, psychology, caught-my-eye

Catherine McKenzie Spins a Great Story

Though Kate Sanford has thirty years under her belt, what she really needs is thirty days of rehab. Luckily fate intervenes to procure the much needed treatment when she shows up completely drunk to a coveted journalist interview. It's no surprise when the magazine writes her off for that position, but they have another opportunity in mind: go to rehab (undercover) to spy on the latest it-girl actress Amber Sheppard. If she gets the goods on Amber, Kate may...more Catherine McKenzie Spins a Great Story

Though Kate Sanford has thirty years under her belt, what she really needs is thirty days of rehab. Luckily fate intervenes to procure the much needed treatment when she shows up completely drunk to a coveted journalist interview. It's no surprise when the magazine writes her off for that position, but they have another opportunity in mind: go to rehab (undercover) to spy on the latest it-girl actress Amber Sheppard. If she gets the goods on Amber, Kate may win her prized job.

What a catchy plot! I've wanted to read this since reading the blurb, and Harper Collins made that easier when they released the novel in the U.S.

Believing she doesn't need treatment (just like every alcoholic) but desperately wanting the job, Kate agrees to the undercover assignment. The slow dawning of realization about her addiction was interesting to read. I also enjoyed the added complexity of the whirlwind surrounding Amber, including the paparazzi stalking every move and her disdainful hot actor ex-boyfriend Connor. Amber is a typical actress who relies on the audience's applause for her self-worth, and believes she should be dating Connor simply because he's cool.

At the beginning Amber seems obnoxious and entitled, but as Kate gets to know her they forge a tentative friendship. My favorite part of the story is Kate's ethical dilemma--should she write a tell-all expose about her new friend once they get out of rehab?

When Connor shows up at the same rehab facility, with his personal assistant Henry, things get even more interesting. Henry isn't an alcoholic but he has an addiction of another kind, which adds some depth to the story. Henry and Kate begin flirting, and there's a hint of reuniting between Amber and Connor.

I read this novel quickly and felt satisfied by how Ms. McKenzie resolves Kate's ethical conflict. I would've liked a bit more explanation of Kate's family dynamics and why she chose to leave home so abruptly. The author strikes just the right tone for characterizing the heroine of the story--at times she's not very likable but her journey toward becoming a better person is compelling and strong.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

May 29, 2010 Kerstyn M. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, favs-of-2010, love-the-characters, re-read

This book amazed me.
I was first drawn to "Spin" one day, when in the teen section of my local bookstore. Next to all the vampire romance and other such teen trends of the moment, a realistic, unique novel like this jumped right out at me.
I HAD to read it, no exceptions.
Because of where I bought this book from, I was somewhat surprised by the thirty-year-old heroine, but quickly became grateful that this book could focus on adult characters, and yet have a voice so familiar to all readers.
We all...more

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Jun 02, 2010 Sean Cummings rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm a guy who loves science fiction and fantasy, so what the hell am I doing reading chick lit? Well, aside from supporting a fellow Canadian author with her debut novel, I won't put down a book that speaks to universal themes like human failings and redemption.

Katie Sanford is a cleverly written protagonist and while this book is classified as Chick Lit, it contains none of the shallowness you might find in the genre. Katie is an all too real heroine who is behind the eight ball on the financi...more I'm a guy who loves science fiction and fantasy, so what the hell am I doing reading chick lit? Well, aside from supporting a fellow Canadian author with her debut novel, I won't put down a book that speaks to universal themes like human failings and redemption.

Katie Sanford is a cleverly written protagonist and while this book is classified as Chick Lit, it contains none of the shallowness you might find in the genre. Katie is an all too real heroine who is behind the eight ball on the financial front, busting her butt writing for basically anyone who pays and she's dreaming big. Her ship comes in when a music magazine called The Line (I kept thinking The Hour with George Stromboloppidydoodad or whatever the hell his name is, as I read) is looking for a writer. Kate applies, lands an interview and you'd think she nails it, right?

Um... nope.

Ol' Katie get's hammered the night before the interview, waking up only a few minutes before she's supposed to be there and... well... you know the rest. Think stress of an interview mixed with a hangover and no access to Gravol or any other anti-nausea pharmaceutical. Sooooooo Katie just BLOWS the interview in the worst way possible to the point of fleeing from the room to barf her head off.

No job for you Katie... BUT...

One of the interviewers contacts Kate and wants her to go undercover to spy on big time celebrity babe Amber Shepard with the condition that if she can wing a good expose on Amber, she'll get her dream job.

Nice people at The Line - I had to wonder if Catherine used TMZ as an influencing factor because it screamed paparazzi...

I'm not going to delve into the plot any more than what I have other than to say in Katie, we have a refreshingly BELIEVABLE female protagonist who, while being ambitious, isn't afraid to dream. SPIN is a novel that touches an all too common issue, namely alcohol and drug abuse, but it doesn't do it like you're sitting through a Sally Ann commercial. Catherine Mackenzie gives the reader a seemingly functional up and coming woman who is so focused on making ends meet and achieving her dreams that she hasn't been afforded the luxury of looking inward at her true self - one we all share. You know what I'm talking about. It's always there... hiding in the shadows, patiently waiting for you to crash.

You will laugh with this book. You'll grin and you'll cheer because Katie Sanford is a wonderful new character and Mckenzie has made her believable, warts and all. There's a reason SPIN is a national bestseller in Canada because the book speaks a language that even a dude like me who basically runs pulling his hair out in clumps at anything that even smacks of chick lit will sit down, read and hope like hell the heroine finds redemption.

Catherine Mckenzie's SPIN is a remarkable book for a debut novelist.(less)

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Jan 26, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I didn't really expect to like this book. Too many books about wannabe writers who want to show off their Hollywood connections and lifestyles of the rich and famous behaving badly have turned my stomach. The authors are often self absorbed. Now I can honestly say this book kept me reading far past the hour that a woman with four children and a professional job should be reading because I was so intrigued and really cared about the protagonist. She was funny, snarky, and not very self aware but...more I didn't really expect to like this book. Too many books about wannabe writers who want to show off their Hollywood connections and lifestyles of the rich and famous behaving badly have turned my stomach. The authors are often self absorbed. Now I can honestly say this book kept me reading far past the hour that a woman with four children and a professional job should be reading because I was so intrigued and really cared about the protagonist. She was funny, snarky, and not very self aware but you just could not help yourself. I loved her "voice" and her ability to write a new and compelling story that made me crave a martini or a shot of whiskey. Just to clarify my drinking history - I have none. No, truly. Never even sipped champagne. That's how convincing the protagonist is. But I digress.

Katie does not have a drinking problem. She is not an alcoholic. She simply drinks too much and tends to be irresponsible. At least that's her story and she's sticking to it. Due to her presentation at a job interview, she is the lucky winner to enter a pricey rehab for celebs and rich and famous. Think Cirque Lodge via Robert Redford's influence. It's Utah's best kept secret where stars go to detox. Okay, whatever. We all about it.

So Katie's assignmement is to go to rehab and play the therapy game so she can report on the IT girl who is in the same rehab. But Katie does not have an addiction problem. Of course the reader knows Katie might have a little problem. The story is told first person in Katie's head. She justifies herself, talks to herself and is all too relateable and funny. There is nothing forced about the story as Katie starts out pretending to go through the twelve step program with a lot of deflection and lack of responsibility. She makes friends with a couple of the women in rehab including Amber but it is almost incidental. The meat of the story is the every day in rehab and her slow acceptance that she might choose to stay sober and she decides she has issues.

Somehow a little romance is introduced and new patients show up that shake up the chemistry. I don't think it is a spoiler to mention that she becomes friends with a couple of vacationers, including Amber which causes a moral dilemma for writing the story since she suddenly finds she has a conscience sans alcohol. This is about the time that I become convinced my choice to never partake are still sound. I simply loved Katie. In fact character development for all of Katie's best friends are well done. I just really liked them.

Be aware that swearing is heavy. Sex is implied but mostly in past tense. Drug and alcohol use and abuse is heavy with the caveat of the sweet friendships that develop in rehab, a more clear understanding of addiction, and real struggles to survive and successfully complete a rehab program.

Definitely worth the read but does not pass my Mom-o-Meter. You will laugh. You might cry. You will enjoy.(less)

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Sep 24, 2012 Niobe13 *wants to read all day* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm going to give this 4.5 stars because of the following:

Katie - because as far being a slightly dysfunctional character, she redeemed herself in the end by confronting all of her wrong doings.

Music - I love the playlist.

Rehab - It was good to have a glimpse of what is really happening out there. Yup, I'm clueless.

Movies - Because I've watched all the romcom movies mentioned in this book

Friendship - It's true that you can find new/good friends in unexpected situations. Its nice to know that fri...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 28, 2012 Pooja (On books!) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley, arc, 5-stars

More of my reviews can be found at on books!

cover

I love how aesthetically pleasing the cover is! The way the baby blues contrast with the girl's dark hair. It also really fits with what Spin is about. I'd love to own this book just for the cover!

review

Take a character who will fit in practically any chic lit book- someone who is thirty but acts like she's twenty, is kind of a mess, lies all the time and has an interview lined up for her dream job as a music reviewer at The Line! What happens whe...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Andrea at Reading Lark rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, 5-stars, adult, contemporary, arc, read-in-2012

Review Posted on Reading Lark 2/22/12: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2012/...

This book has been out in Canada for awhile, but it just hit shelves in the US this month. I had seen several great reviews singing its praises so when I was asked to be part of this tour I jumped at the chance. What I found within these pages is a glimpse into human nature and the life of an addict. Spin will take you on a fascinating journey complete with celebrities, rehab, and an amazing playlist.

One of the things...more Review Posted on Reading Lark 2/22/12: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2012/...

This book has been out in Canada for awhile, but it just hit shelves in the US this month. I had seen several great reviews singing its praises so when I was asked to be part of this tour I jumped at the chance. What I found within these pages is a glimpse into human nature and the life of an addict. Spin will take you on a fascinating journey complete with celebrities, rehab, and an amazing playlist.

One of the things that makes Spin such a compelling read is the main character, Kate Sandford. Kate is one of those almost thirty somethings who just can't seem to let her college years go. She keeps hanging out in the typical university age scenes and most of her friends are still in school. She wants to be a music writer, but she doesn't do much to help that goal become a reality. In fact, on the eve of the biggest interview of her life for a coveted spot at The Line, a music magazine, Kate chooses to get drunk with her friends and shows up hungover to the interview. Needless to say she blows her chance and her need for booze gets even worse. Things start to turn around for Kate when she's contacted by someone who works for The Line and a gossip magazine. He promises her the position she craves if she'll go to rehab to spy on the current "It Girl" and dish about it in a tell all article. Kate must decide what's most important to her - the truth or snagging her dream job.

I loved that Kate was so incredibly flawed. She maintains that she's only in rehab because of the article and she can't see that maybe she truly does have a problem with alcohol. As someone who has seen the effects of alcohol on a family member, this portion of the book really hit home. I can remember my uncle maintaining even in his various trips to rehab that he did not have an addiction. Luckily for Kate, she seems to have some moments of clarity and redemption. The book left me feeling that Kate was on the right path to fixing her issues and becoming happier. At the heart of this story is a girl who is unhappy with her life, but feels powerless to change it. In addition, Kate's sarcasm will keep you laughing in spite of the seriousness of the plot.

I also thought this was a compelling read because of its relevance. I couldn't help but think of the various young starlets who are on paths to self destruction. We see their stories plastered all over the internet and on the tabloids. Spin really made me stop to think about how celebrities are treated. Granted its an understood fact that as someone in the spotlight you lose the ability to be anonymous, but I really wonder what gives people the right to be so invasive. At what point does it become too much? I'm certainly guilty of reading the magazines that detail the lives of the rich and famous. I never stopped to consider how celebrities feel seeing those types of things printed about themselves. I don't think the average person would be too keen about seeing their dirty laundry aired in such a public forum.

Spin is compelling and well written. I've already put McKenzie's other works on my TBR List. I love that she is taking such modern issues and putting her own interesting spin on them. I also loved that this novel was littered with musical references and included a playlist at the end. As a music junkie, I always love these types of elements cropping up as I read.

One Last Gripe: I didn't like that Kate and her sister never really resolved their issues.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: I was really fascinated by the relationships in this one - particularly between Kate and Amber & Kate and Henry

First Sentence: This is how I lose my dream job.

Favorite Character: Kate

Least Favorite Character: Connor
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Jan 16, 2010 Diane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you never thought of a posh rehab center as an ideal setting for a madcap adventure, think again. SPIN's unique setting makes for a fresh and funny read -- and one with a moral too. Katie Sandford stands heroic despite -- and perhaps because -- of her imperfections in this wildly entertaining debut novel by Catherine McKenzie.

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Jun 10, 2013 Kelsey Rolfe rated it 5 of 5 stars

A book that is at once sweet and complex, facing the difficulties of addiction head on. Plus: McKenzie's inclusion of a chapter-by-chapter playlist for a book that revolves around a music writer was such a novel idea. I loved listening along as I read.

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Jul 01, 2011 Kathleen Crowell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All I can say is that the light side of this story will not disappoint fans of the Chick lit genre: it's funny and romantic. Those looking for a little more "substance" cannot possibly find fault with the way CM weaves the serious struggles of addiction into Kate's tale.

I think CM carefully explored a very sensitive topic in a humorous yet respectful way. I didn't feel preached to or patronized.

This book was so worth the wait! I've been waiting for it to be available on my Kindle or through Ama...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Katherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: canadian, chic-lit, realistic-fiction

Aaaawesome. Loved this book. Very real characters. Loved the playlist at the end! (I thought it'd be cool to re-read and listen to the songs on the playlist at each chapter they were present, but I'm a slower reader and figured I'd have to listen on repeat for too long!).
As far as chic-lit goes, I have def found my fave author. The characters are realistic and the dialogue is great (Curse words!!! Thank you!!).

***Spoiler***

Happy (though typical) girl-gets-the-guy ending, but the whole story is...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Pollypoptart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

This is a really enjoyable read about a wannabe music journo who loses her chance at a big break due to going to her dream job interview drunk . . . and ends up being offered the chance to go undercover at rehab to find out about America's sweetheart. It turns out, however, that rehab may have more to offer her than a career opportunity.

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Jan 22, 2013 Cocktails and Books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cnb-reviewers

"I LOVED this book. Hilarious, fun, deep and well written, this book had me from start to finish in one sitting. Katie has landed an interview for her dream job. She decides to go out and celebrate (the night before the interview, mind you) and shows up the next day for said interview still drunk. Insert hilariously awkward scenario that you can’t help but laugh at! Needless to say, they don’t offer her the job. Instead, they offer her an alternative – 30 days in rehab, reporting on the stint of...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Lydia Laceby rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: canadian, canadian-chick-lit, contemporary-women-s-fiction

Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes

Catherine McKenzie’s engaging debut novel has proven her as one to watch. Her voice is fresh, new and compelling. SPIN is a witty, fun, laugh out loud novel, yet had a grittier subject matter and I absolutely could not put it down.

I found the heavier subject of addiction offset nicely by Kate’s highly entertaining thoughts and antics along the way, so it didn’t come across as too heavy, nor did it feel too light. Kathryn felt this might have been made a little...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Sara Strand rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I want so much to tell you everything awesome about this book... but I can't. I can't because I feel like it would ruin it for you. But the quick and dirty is that Kate is a 20something aspiring writer who really wants to write for a music magazine but doesn't quite have her life together. She goes out drinking to celebrate her pre-birthday and from there she ends up going to her dream job interview completely drunk and has a not so proud moment puking in the bathroom. From there she goes to reh...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: american-life, new-author-for-me, psychological, reviewer-book, woman-writer, drug-alcohol-abuse

The Dame's Remarks :
"Spin" is a case of madcap mistakes and mishaps with a bit of misery thrown in. It's one of the funniest books I've read this season. It's also one of the most surprising. It's difficult to catch me off guard, but along with the protagonist, Katie, that irrepressible 30 year old, wanna-be 20ish-something girl trying to live her dream, I found myself in denial nearly to the end of this book! This is a story that will keep you up all night reading and relating.

Katie is a simply...more The Dame's Remarks :
"Spin" is a case of madcap mistakes and mishaps with a bit of misery thrown in. It's one of the funniest books I've read this season. It's also one of the most surprising. It's difficult to catch me off guard, but along with the protagonist, Katie, that irrepressible 30 year old, wanna-be 20ish-something girl trying to live her dream, I found myself in denial nearly to the end of this book! This is a story that will keep you up all night reading and relating.

Katie is a simply irresistible character. As Catherine McKenzie has drawn her, she's a happy drunk and the kind of friend you call when you want to have a good time. She's also the kind of friend who won't deny you much of anything you ask her for. This combination, mixed with Katie's lack of a true family anchor and belief in herself, are lethal. She tries to give herself some sort of base to feel good about in her grasp of music and her goal of writing for a "Rolling Stones" type of magazine. Generally, these goals are illusive in light of her sense of failure.

I love Ms McKenzie's beginning characterization of a young woman caught in a web of disillusionment. Katie knows she's spiraling out of control, but she's not sure how to stop it. The beautiful thing about McKenzie's portrait initially is that we see and are drawn in to Katie's strong sense of denial. Though we love Katie from the first introduction of her, we see it's going to be a sad commentary on a young woman who can't stop drinking long enough to grow up and face her demons. In my case, I loved Katie so much, I was sure she'd realize the drinking was holding her back and she'd quit as soon as she got her assignment! I found myself following her in denial. What a perfect place for a writer to take me! Genius!

When Katie finds herself on assignment for "Gossip Central" to get a scoop in rehab. on the famous actress of a highly touted prime time tv show, she's as caught off guard as we are to find that she might be in need of some rehab. herself! It's through her experiences befriending this young girl, the rehab's somewhat ridiculous therapist, a gorgeous "handler" of the actresses boyfriend, and some hilarious group therapy that we all get a sharper perspective. As Katie's understanding of herself develops, so does ours. This is some powerful writing.

I thought this was also a perfectly paced book. It had moments of enlightenment, and moments when I was so drawn down with Katie into her denial that I was sure everything was all right with her, and that the rest of the people, including the staff at Cloudspin Oasis, were cracked! It was beguiling, breathtaking in its truth-telling of alcohol and drug dependency's grip on people. I found myself laughing out loud at one point, and cringing with shared shame and sympathy a few minutes later. The mood swings- - spins of this novel are incredible and meaningful. So are the roads to healing.

"Spin" is one of the most clear and honest stories of the human condition of addiction, its repercussions, and its outcomes I've ever read. Its right up there with "Clean and Sober." Heart-warming and hilarious. This is a book that will have you spinning with sickness, love and laughter. You just have to read this book!

In addition to the book's story, Ms McKenzie has included a playlist of Katie's at the end of the book that will just floor you. So cool you'll be writing it down to download it!

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Feb 11, 2012 Sheila DeChantal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kate is a 30-year-old party girl. She loves to go out with her friends and celebrate... well, anything! When Kate lands an interview to write reviews for her favorite music magazine, The Line, that is something really worth celebrating! And celebrate she does, perhaps a little too much the night before the big interview and showing up still intoxicated from the night before, she blows it. Literally.

However a few days later the publishers of the magazine call her with an idea. They also run a gos...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Charlotte rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: advanced-readers-copy, nook

http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....

Kate Sandford has pretty much been floundering ever since college. Here she is on the verge of her 30th birthday, yet her roommate and some of her friends think that she is still a struggling college student. It is Kate's only way to justify the way she lives. In reality she is a struggling writer who wants nothing more than to write for the premier music magazine, The Line. She catches a huge break when she lands an interview on her 30th birthday. She is...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Leeswammes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kate Sandford is invited to a job interview at her favorite music magazine and this happens to be on her birthday. She goes out and celebrates both her birthday and the interview the night before, arriving at the interview still rather drunk. She doesn’t get the job.

A few weeks later, she gets a call from the magazine, who also run a gossip magazine. They want to make a deal: if she goes undercover to a rehab facility to follow a famous “It” girl around, they will give her a job at the music mag...more Kate Sandford is invited to a job interview at her favorite music magazine and this happens to be on her birthday. She goes out and celebrates both her birthday and the interview the night before, arriving at the interview still rather drunk. She doesn’t get the job.

A few weeks later, she gets a call from the magazine, who also run a gossip magazine. They want to make a deal: if she goes undercover to a rehab facility to follow a famous “It” girl around, they will give her a job at the music magazine afterwards.

Kate accepts and enrols in the rehab programme. She meet It-girl Amber and befriends her, covertly sending back gossip to her new boss.

But Kate gets more and more involved in the rehab programme and it seems that she could do with a 12-step programme herself. She also starts to feel guilty about writing a gossip story about her new friend. Some serious issues need to be resolved before she leaves the programme.

I enjoyed this book a lot.

I found a lot of elements of the book very unlikely (like a filmstar bringing his personal assistant to rehab, Kate’s parents never wondering where she got the money for the expensive ($1,000 a day) rehab, and many more). That was a pity as it did lower my enjoyment of reading the book. But not much, because it was a fun story.

I would never want to befriend a celebrity because of their status but in Kate’s case, she had to do so for her job (and she seemed pretty obsessed by Amber in the first place). I thought she did it very unobtrusively, which was good. However, I did think the story was too much about her friendship with Amber and not enough about the reason she was there. Her boss seemed to be pretty relaxed and didn’t ask for much. I would have expected him to be more pushy especially because she was not a very experienced journalist yet (and not a reliable person – hadn’t she shown up drunk at her job interview?).

There is also a love story in the book. Kate’s love interest was a nice, unassuming person with some good looks as well as a brain, so what else can a girl ask for?

This was a light read in some sense, but it also addressed deeper subjects, such as, what is Kate doing with her life, when are you an alcoholic, do you forsake a friendship only to get a job?(less)

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Jan 23, 2012 Maria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The 411
Kate is what we call a hot mess. She parties way too much and isn't very reliable. She acts like a college kid and is completely irresponsible but likeable.

When she finally gets the interview of a lifetime. A job at The Line, a magazine she has been trying to get in forever. She goes out the night before and drinks way too much, ends up oversleeping, running to the interview hung over and still drunk. Fortunately for her, the "It Girl" Amber of TGND (The Girl Next Door) is being sent to...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Kelly Hager rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Katie's life has just taken a turn for the better. She's got a job interview (for her dream job!) at a music magazine and said interview is on her 30th birthday! It's like it's meant to be, right? Except she goes out to celebrate with one of her best friends and one drink turns into, like, 10 and the next thing you know, she shows up at her job interview crazy late and obviously hungover. (AND she throws up during said interview.) Obviously she doesn't get the job.

BUT! the magazine's sister publ...more

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Dec 18, 2011 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another find from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

"Spin" by Catherine McKenzie is the book I would have already written by now if I weren't so lazy. Instead, it is the book Mckenzie has written, which I had the privilege of reading.

Kate is an aspiring journalist who has an interview for her dream job at fictional music magazine "The Line," second best known magazine of its type (next to Rolling Stone, natch), on her thirtieth birthday. Unfortunately, when she goes out to celebrate both her early bi...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Lainy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Blurb from NetGalley

Kate Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favorite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate-and shows up still drunk at the interview at 9am. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at the media company think she might be perfect for another assignment for their gossip rag. Kate is to follow a young female celebrity into rehab and get the inside story. If she can get the rehab scoop (and complete t...more Blurb from NetGalley

Kate Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favorite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate-and shows up still drunk at the interview at 9am. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at the media company think she might be perfect for another assignment for their gossip rag. Kate is to follow a young female celebrity into rehab and get the inside story. If she can get the rehab scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Kate takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Kate begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason.

My Review

Kate is almost at 30 when she gets her break break into the job she always wanted, an interview for her fav music Magazine. However Kate has always been a girl who like to celebrate and whats one glass the day before her birthday and big interview. One glass turns into many and Kate wakes up half cut, hungover and running close to late for her interview. Here is the start of a new stage in her life. In order to try and save the job she has to go into rehab and get the low down on the young and popular celebrity Amber.

What follows is a story about how far one girl will go to get what she wants and the path of self discovery she unexpectedly falls upon trying to get there. I really enjoyed this book, it is very easy to follow and so well written you could be reading about people you know as the characters are so well written. The relationships formed and unexpected struggles she faces really pull you in, I read this book in one sitting and would recommend it to anyone who fancys a read that doesn't make you think too hard but keeps you engrossed page after page.

This is my first time reading this author but would certainly read more, I like her style of writing so it's a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to HarperCollins for sending me this book to review and introducing me to a new author. Publication date for this book is 02/01/2012.(less)

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Jun 08, 2011 Shannon McEwen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Oh yes. Giving me a book like this is like giving cotton candy to a 9-year-old: it's delicious, and it's gone in thirty seconds. I don't really know what I'm on about, other than the fact that I've been wanting to read this for months now, but realized it's not actually available in the States. But my trusty gay husband's actual husband went up to Calgary for a conference this weekend and brought back both of Catherine McKenzie's books for me, and I was beyond thrilled. I started this one on my...more

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Nov 25, 2010 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Wow. That's what I'll start off with. I really enjoyed this book. The story was fast paced and engaging, and I found myself unable to put it down. When I finally finished, I was going back and rereading snippets. When I finally finished with THAT, I stuck it in my neighbor's mailbox was a large note saying READ NOW!!! Katie is a great heroine, despite all of her flaws. In fact, it's her horrible screw ups that make her so endearing. On one level, the book was hysterical. Katie is snarky and kick...more

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Apr 05, 2010 Jean Oram rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chicklit-romance-womensfiction

I've read the big names in chick lit (like Meg Cabot, Sophie Kinsella, Helen Fielding, etc) and enjoyed them. But none of them were Canadian and none of them had that special quirkiness that spoke directly to me. I was impressed by this debut novel. Chick lit is not an easy genre to break into and it is near impossible to keep it fresh and not somehow make it trivial. But McKenzie kept it fresh and original while delivering the chick lit form.

Here's the story: A once-from-the-country gal is tryi...more

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Jan 21, 2010 Jonita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kate Sandford is almost 30, but she still poses as a graduate student at times for the free food available at graduate events. She writes articles for the newspaper about obscure but interesting bands, and when she gets an interview at The Line, a music magazine that she has always aspired to work at, she is ecstatic. The night before the interview she goes out with friends to celebrate the combination of her birthday and the interview and, well, over-celebrates a little. She arrives at her inte...more Kate Sandford is almost 30, but she still poses as a graduate student at times for the free food available at graduate events. She writes articles for the newspaper about obscure but interesting bands, and when she gets an interview at The Line, a music magazine that she has always aspired to work at, she is ecstatic. The night before the interview she goes out with friends to celebrate the combination of her birthday and the interview and, well, over-celebrates a little. She arrives at her interview the next day hungover, reeking like alcohol, and sick to her stomach and it isn't long before the interviewers politely dismiss her. Kate is devastated, but a few weeks later she receives a call. If Kate follows Amber Sheppard, the current celebrity "It Girl" into rehab and writes a tell-all after completing the program she will get another chance to work at The Line. Kate doesn't think twice and hops onto a plane headed for the rebab centre Oasis.

Things get complicated after Kate arrives. Even though she was convinced that she didn't have a problem with alcohol, her time in rehab is starting to open her eyes a little to her own destructive behaviour. Kate also manages to not just meet Amber Sheppard, but befriend her, and then comes the ultimate question: can Kate still write her article without losing her new friend? Kate also meets Henry, a celebrity handler, and sparks begin to fly. Will Henry be able to fall in love with a girl that he met in rehab, and can their relationship last outside of the walls of Oasis?

Spin is chick-lit with a heart, and I absolutely loved it. Kate Sandford is definitely one screwed-up individual at times, with the habit of leaping into things without thinking them through first, but she is the type of character that makes you root for her. Not only was I hoping that she would be able to truly see that she had a problem with alcohol, but I was hoping that she would start wanting to get better, and maybe even fall in love along the way. The secondary characters in Spin are fantastic as well: Amber appears to be a spoiled celebrity at first, but as the story continues we see that she's just a girl who has made some bad decisions, and has managed to make those in the spotlight while the world followed her every move. Henry, the celebrity handler, was fantastic as a guy who didn't need to be in rehab, but certainly didn't have it all together either. Kate's parents were wonderful as well- people who truly want to see the best in people, even if those great qualities are in hiding.

There's a line on the last page of the book that I found absolutely swoon-worthy. I would love to share it with you, but won't for fear of giving away the ending. What I can say is that debut author Catherine McKenzie has written a fantastically entertaining and funny yet endearing debut novel and I'm excited to read what she comes up with next.(less)

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Jan 19, 2010 Darlene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Darlene by: bj19662001@yahoo.ca

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spin by Catherine McKenzie is a fresh and fun, yet serious debut novel from this author! For me it was a perfect escape to another world with characters I loved and a storyline that grabbed me from the beginning to the end.

The main character of Spin is Kate Sanford and she's a Bridget Jones type of character. I liked her right off. She's one of those characters that I formed a bond with from the beginning of the book. She's funny, a little crazy, vulnerable and just may have a serious problem wi...more Spin by Catherine McKenzie is a fresh and fun, yet serious debut novel from this author! For me it was a perfect escape to another world with characters I loved and a storyline that grabbed me from the beginning to the end.

The main character of Spin is Kate Sanford and she's a Bridget Jones type of character. I liked her right off. She's one of those characters that I formed a bond with from the beginning of the book. She's funny, a little crazy, vulnerable and just may have a serious problem with alcohol which just makes her all the more real. She's far from perfect and I think that's the trait that pulls people in - she's human.

The book starts out with Kate getting the interview of her lifetime to work at her favorite music magazine. She's beside herself in her excitement so when she gets a call from a friend to go out and celebrate for her birthday coming up, she agrees. What can a couple of drinks hurt? Then she'll come home, get a good rest and be in prime form for her interview. NOT! What starts as a few drinks quickly turns into too many drinks to count and Kate is hammered. She wakes up late the next morning, is late to her interview and even that isn't so bad if she'd just been sober for said interview. Needless to say Kate doesn't even get through the interview, doesn't get the job and goes home defeated and miserable.

Days later Kate gets a call from Bob, another boss at The Line, who works on the gossip side of things. While he didn't think Kate was right for the job she applied for, he does think she's right for going to rehab as a patient to spy on It Girl, Amber Sheppard for them. In return for a good story, she just might be reconsidered for that job of a lifetime she wants. Well, what is a girl to do? Kate is more than positive she doesn't need rehab - she doesn't have a drinking problem - but for this job she'll do pretty much anything so she agrees to go.

Kate heads into rehab and slowly finds herself becoming involved with the program and the people. As time goes by and she thinks about her past she starts to wonder if maybe she does have a bit of a problem with alcohol. Certainly her life has been badly affected by it at times. Not only that but Kate is finding that the people there are real people with real problems and even finds herself becoming close with some of them. One of those someones being Amber - It Girl Amber - the famed celebrity.

Amber's not such a bad person. Kate actually likes her. Now what is a girl to do? Kate is torn. She doesn't want to hurt Amber but she really wants this job, not to mention if she doesn't go through with writing her article she's going to be sued for a sum that she just can't afford. Kate's not sure she's willing to give up the new friendships she's developed just to write this article. There has to be a way around this - but what could it be?

While this novel is funny and amusing, it has it's serious side with the issue of drug addiction. Kate takes a good long look at herself and finds a lot of pieces missing - pieces she has missed having around her like her family. She's realized that just maybe rehab wasn't such a bad idea in so many ways - it gives hope that a new life is out there if you just look for it. Spin is about Kate finding herself again and you will find yourself rooting for her all the way and turning the pages as fast as you can to see what comes next!(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Samantha Blackburn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved this book. It's quite a simple book (writing wise) but thats what I was in the mood for. I couldn't be bothered reading anything that included too many details (such as when someone walks into a room and has to explain every little detail within the room) it was straight to the point, there were a few things that made it unbelievible (like the fact she was in a rehab centre that cost $1000.00 a night and her parents and friends never asked how exactly she was paying for it).

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About Catherine McKenzie

Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill University and McGill Law School, Catherine practices law in Montreal. An avid runner and skier, she's the author of the international bestsellers SPIN, ARRANGED and FORGOTTEN. Her fourth novel, HIDDEN, will be published in June, 2013

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Quotes from Spin

“Love isn't simple, Katie, and neither is life. Things that are worth having are sometimes complicated, and they evoke complicated emotions. You know, one of the reasons people often turn to alcohol or drugs is that they can't deal with complications.” — 12 people liked it

“Her office is oddly decorated with all things dog. There's a dog calendar, a dog clock, a couple of framed photographs of dogs, a dog leash sitting on the corner of her desk. The only thing missing is the actual dog itself. Or maybe the leash is for me?” — 1 person liked it

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